26 November 2007

"The number of Americans working as direct selling consultants in the U.S. increased by more than 1 million to 15.2 million in 2006, according to a study released today by the Direct Selling Association, the industry's national trade group.

According to the Growth & Outlook Survey Report: U.S. Direct Selling in 2006, the direct selling industry, which includes well-known name brands such as Avon, Mary Kay, Herbalife, The Pampered Chef and The Longaberger Company, gained 1.1 million representatives from the previous year. The study also reports that U.S.-based sales grew to $32.18 billion in 2006, up from $30.47 billion the previous year and $29.73 billion in 2004."